An illustration of the apple Sam’s Crab taken from The Herefordshire Pomona.

Published by MAN, Apples of the Welsh Marches describes 79 old varieties of apples cultivated in the traditional orchards of the West Midlands and the neighbouring parts of Wales.

Apples and Pears Events List

MAN tries to include details of all relevant events within the Marcher Counties and the more significant national events. (Pictures from a number of events can be found in the Photograph GalleryPhotograph Gallery at www.marcherapple.net/photogl.htm). CoursesCourses at www.marcherapple.net/course.htm, however, are listed separately. If you are organising or know of a forthcoming event which you think should be included here then please contact the Webmaster. If you spot an error would you also please let the Webmaster know so a correction can be made.

For other events you may find the following useful

The Three Counties Cider and Perry Association’s Events ListEvents List (www.thethreecountiesciderandperryassociation.co.uk/events/) is specific to cider and perry and mainly covers events in the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The National TrustNational Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events) organises apple events at many of its properties (Telephone 0870 458 400 for details).

It is always advisable, especially if you intend to travel from some distance, to confirm the time and details from the organisers.

At events where Marcher Apple Network will be present (shown with dates in bold) pomological advice will be available and books and CDs will be for sale. At events marked with an asterisk there will be an apple display and MAN will provide an identification service. Please note that for identifications three typical specimens of apple or pear are required and that there is a charge.

Events in 2015

*Saturday/ Sunday, 29th/ 30th August. Black Mountains Festival, Talgarth, Powys. MAN will be in the Cattle Market on the Sunday, from 11.00-5.00pm. Display of early apples & identification of ripe early varieties. Tastings and fruit for sale.

Thursday 3rd September. Visit to F P MatthewsF P Matthews (www.frankpmatthews.com) of Berrington near Tenbury Wells. Starting at 11:00 this guided tour will include seeing the fruit trial orchard, nursery for trees, the Tree Shop for browsing and lunch. Restricted to members of MAN and Gloucester Orchard Trust and costing only £12.00, a booking
form can be found herehere (www.marcherapple.net/Resources/forms/MAN20150903FPMvisit.docx).

*Sunday, 6th September. Entertainment under the Apples at Penlanole, near the Vulcan Arms, south of Rhayader, Powys. Please note that for safety reasons, the approach will be to the back of the farm and will be signposted from the A470. From 2.00-5.00pm. For details Tel. 01597-811487.

Friday to Sunday 11th to 13th September. The Ludlow Marches Food and Drink FestivalLudlow Marches Food and Drink Festival (www.foodfestival.co.uk). There is always a good selection of local cider makers and fruit juicers in attendance.

*Saturday/Sunday, 26th/27th September. The Autumn ShowAutumn Show (www.threecounties.co.uk/malvernautumn/) at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

*Saturday/ Sunday, 10th/ 11th October. The Big AppleBig Apple (www.bigapple.org.uk). Weekend rural events in and around Much Marcle. entry to historic grounds of Hellens, from 12.00-4.45pm where there will be apple and pear displays, ID services and tastings of a selection of cooking apples. Further details of talks, demonstrations and other events, from Jackie Denman, Tel. 01531 670544.